Some words are easier to use than explain. Kindness is one
of them. I recognize an act of kindness when I am the recipient of one, but
trying to explain it has been difficult. It is not so much what someone has
done that makes it feel like kindness, but the context in which it happens. For
example, when I was still able to drive and had my own car, friends would swing
by and pick me up so we could go do something together, I never thought twice
about them doing that. It was just something we did for each other. Now that I
can no longer drive and I have lost my paratransit services, when my friends
offer to come take me and my manual wheelchair so I can go somewhere with them,
I experience the effects of their act of kindness. In a poem called Kindness by
Naomi Shihah Nye,[1] she explains
that kindness is an inherent part of who we are. We become kind and gain an
understanding of kindness when we understand what it is to have been in that
space of deep sorrow and loss.

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.

Kindness is also defined as the state of being kind. Kind,
in most spiritual traditions, is viewed a spiritual gift and a quality of love.
For example, 1st Corinthians 13:4 in the New Testament says, “love is patient,
love is kind.” So what does it mean to be kind? The Merriam Webster dictionary
defines kind as being “of a sympathetic or helpful nature.” The Greek word for
kind is chresteuetai. Kindness, during Biblical times, was seen as the
possession of a spiritual gift, which allowed a person to remain gentle in
their interactions with others. During this time, a kind person was thought of
as one who was affirming, gentle; open and willing to do good things for
others. They were also thought of as willing to do good in the world when the
opportunity presented itself and one who searched for opportunities to share
their spiritual gifts with others.

Kindness is not only a valued spiritual quality, but it is
good for you. Studies have shown that performing acts of kindness stimulate the
part of the brain, which releases chemicals associated with personal
gratification. Being kind to others relieves stress[2],
improves one’s mental health[3], and enhances
one’s level of happiness, and can reduce one’s chances of developing Alzheimer's.[4]

Perhaps this is one reason so many organizations have begun
to promote kindness in this world. The Pay It Forward Foundation encourages
people to do a good deed for others, for each good deed they experienced in their
life.[5] The Random Acts
Of Kindness Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and pass it on to
others.[6] “The Human
Kindness Foundation, founded by Bo and Sita Lozoff, is a non-profit
organization which stresses a way of life based upon three common principles
taught by the great sages of all religions: Simple living, a dedication to
service, and a commitment to personal spiritual practice.”[7]

While we tend to think of performing acts of kindness in our
interaction with others, it is also important that we treat the environment and
other inhabitants of this world (animals, birds, fish, etc.) with kindness. “Until
we reflect basic kindness in everything we do, our political gestures will be
fleeting and fragile.”[8] So today and
every day, do something kind for yourself, others, the animals in your life,
and the environment.

[2] PR Newswire. Stress Relief
Expert Lauren E. Miller Shares Benefits as We Enter the Month of Thanksgiving:
An Attitude of Gratitude and Random Acts of Kindness Can Release the Stress in
Your Life http://www.sys-con.com/node/1592701